Red Shoes Rock Walk
Breaking the Stigma of FASD, one step at a time
Every September since 2013, the Bissell Centre hosts the Red Shoes Rock Walk. The event brings awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). This year, it was hosted on September 5 and was open to the public.
The walk began with several speeches by individuals with FASD. The speeches included their personal experiences living with it Patrice Williams, one of the speakers, explained the bullying that happened to her and the things that she’s accomplished since.
The movement started with RJ Formanek, an adult with FASD. He wanted to inspire conversation around the disorder rather than subjecting people to the myths. There is a lot of stigma around Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, not only for the person with the condition but especially for the mother. There are many circumstances that may result in drinking during pregnancy:. Some people, for example, can experience a cryptic pregnancy, which comes with no symptoms (no morning sickness, no weight gain, and the periods may continue). Not knowing they’re pregnant may lead them to continue with their regular consumption of alcohol.
“There is a myriad of reasons why someone might choose to drink alcohol while pregnant,” says Sophia Meija, Manager of Home Visitation with Bissell Centre. “Around 50 per cent of pregnancies in Canada are unintended. Couple this fact with the amount of misinformation circulating online and a culture that reveres alcohol, it can be easy to see why someone might think they’re making a fully-informed decision.”
Christopher Schiemen, Communications Specialist at the Bissel Centre, said, “With stigma and shame so prevalent around those with FASD, there can be a lot of hesitation for people to talk about their experiences. Through events like the Red Shoe Walk, FASD can be front and centre in conversations and better information can be shared to alleviate the shame and help people talk about their experiences – ultimately leading to an overall better understanding and better supports for those affected by FASD.”
The speeches ended on a positive note about how they have found friendship and community. “I am well-adjusted with my diagnosis, and I live freely,” said Williams. “I get wonderful support and help from everyone. And I’m not alone anymore.”
The other speakers were Kenna Robinson and Chance Goddard, who spoke similarly on the support they have found and their contributions to the community.
If you haven’t joined yet, get ready to lace up your red shoes next year — or whatever red item you have — and let’s talk about FASD.